A Federal Capital Territory Magistrates Court has ordered the reopening of the Jabi Lake Mall 10 days after it was sealed for hosting a concert by popular artist, Naira Marley.
On June 14, Idayat Akanni, the magistrate, had directed the closure of the shopping mall for violating the government’s directive aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Read Also: COVID-19: FCT Authorities Seal Jabi Lake Mall Over Naira Marley’s Concert
However, in her ruling on Tuesday, the magistrate held that activities can now resume at the mall, adding that the management has shown remorse for disobeying the COVID-19 restrictions order.
Akanni ordered the management to publish an apology to the government in the national dailies for violating the coronavirus guidelines.
The mall was shut on the order of Magistrate Idayat Akanni for the musical performance which held at the popular plaza.
The event attracted a large gathering many of who did not wear face masks or observe social distancing.
Three staff of the mall were also arraigned for organising the concert in violation of the protocols approved by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
Giving the order for the opening of the mall, Akanni stated that her decision was a sequel to the application filed by the defence counsel, Nnamdi Ekwem, praying the court to unseal the business premises.
She said her judgment is based on the overall interest of those who would be affected adversely by the closure, noting that the mall had over 100 employees and other tenants who are not co-offenders in the matter.
According to her;
The order is also based on compassion, especially, in consideration of the economic losses that will be suffered by those affected, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 on the people.
Commenting on the development, the Chairman of FCT Ministerial TaskForce on COVID-19, Ikharo Attah said the FCTA had no objections to the rulings of the court “because the administration wants to remain a model in obeying the rule of law.”
